Window Safety

A child’s fall from a window is a tragic occurrence. Sadly, several such tragedies have occurred this summer across the country.
Windows, however, also play a vital role in home safety, serving as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency. The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council reminds parents that windows play a vital role in home fire safety, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if other safety measures are not followed.
Recognizing the important role windows play in emergencies, legislators throughout the United States have mandated building codes requiring that specific windows be designated as points of escape. The size and placement of windows designated as points of escape in a residence are also governed by building codes. The ability to easily open windows and remove insect screens without special knowledge or tools is critical to safely escape through a window.
The comprised of members representing the NFPA, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, the Screen Manufacturers Association, and other organizations, was formed in 1997 to promote greater awareness of window safety.